Summary of NUCLEAR MISSILE SILO KEYBOARD RE-LAUNCHED IN USB
[jns] and a colleague purchased a vintage industrial keyboard/trackball combo from eBay, originally used in Minuteman III nuclear missile silos during the REACT program. They reverse-engineered the device to function via USB, discovering its reed-switched keys and RS422 protocol. Despite accidentally destroying an Arduino Pro Micro during testing, they successfully repaired the trackball and shared the software and hardware designs online for public use.
Parts used in the Minuteman III USB Conversion:
- Industrial/Military grade keyboard
- Companion trackball with custom keys
- Arduino Pro Micro (initially used but destroyed)
- Reed switched keys
- RS422 protocol interface components
- USB conversion circuitry
When [jns] and their colleague came across an industrial or possibly military grade keyboard/trackball combo on eBay, their minds did the same backflips that yours or mine might. Enthralled by the specialty key caps, the custom layout, and companion trackball adorned with its own keys rather than buttons [jns] and his workmate they did the only thing that infatuated hackers can do: They each bought one! [jns]’s goal? Make it work via USB. Everything’s been documented in both software and in a very well done video that you can see below the break.
After doing some digging, they found that the keyboard and trackball combination was used in Minuteman III nuclear missile silos beginning in the early 1990’s, when the REACT program replaced aging cold war era computers and communications systems with simpler, more flexible systems.
Since the eBay auction came with only the keyboard and trackball, and not the entire Minuteman III outfit, using the new keyboard in its native habitat and wielding nuclear launch capabilities was right out the door. Instead, [jns] focused on reverse engineering the keyboard and trackball, collectively known as the OID (Operator Input Device) for use via USB.
In the video, [jns] goes into more detail about the discovery of reed switched keys, the RS422 protocol being used, blowing up an Arduino Pro Micro, and even repairing the aging trackball. Success was had, and he’s graciously shared the software and hardware design with the world.
If industrial and military grade control hardware gets your hacker juices flowing, you’ll not want to miss that time we covered a control console from a nuclear power plant for sale. Have you been working on any tantalizing, weird, obscure keyboards or equipment with far too many buttons and blinkenlights for your own good? Be sure to let us know about it via the Tip Line!
Source: NUCLEAR MISSILE SILO KEYBOARD RE-LAUNCHED IN USB
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What was the original purpose of this keyboard and trackball?
It was used in Minuteman III nuclear missile silos beginning in the early 1990s as part of the REACT program. -
How did [jns] acquire the equipment?
[jns] and a colleague bought two units each on eBay after being enthralled by the specialty key caps and layout. -
What communication protocol does the device use natively?
The device utilizes the RS422 protocol. -
Did the project involve any hardware failures?
Yes, the creator blew up an Arduino Pro Micro while attempting to interface with the device. -
What type of switches are found in the keyboard keys?
The keys use reed switches. -
Can the device still launch nuclear missiles?
No, because the auction only included the keyboard and trackball without the full Minuteman III outfit. -
Where can I find the video documentation of this project?
The video is available on YouTube at the link provided in the article. -
Are the design files available to the public?
Yes, [jns] has graciously shared both the software and hardware design with the world.
